Rockford students named to perform with All-State bands

East Rockford Middle School students LoveLynn Richards and Corrin Kleiwer will represent Rockford at the ninth annual Michigan Music Conference.Supplied

Rockford Middle School flutist Corrin
Kliewer has been named to the 2013-2014 Michigan School Band and Orchestra
Association's Middle School All-State Band.

Over 2,500 students from across the state
of Michigan auditioned for placement in five instrumental ensembles: Middle School Band, Middle School String
Orchestra, High School Band, High School Orchestra, and High School Jazz
Band. Each ensemble was scheduled to
perform Saturday at the ninth annual Michigan Music Conference at De Vos Center
in Grand Rapids.

"This is such an honor," Corrin
said. "I was really nervous at the
audition and so happy to make it."

According to Rebecca
Kilgore-Longtin, East Rockford Middle School band director, the Rockford
instrumental music program has been represented in the All State Bands since
their inception. "I am really proud of
both Corrin and LoveLynn (Richards).
Over 900 flute players alone audition for a part. These bands represent the best of the best in
music across our state. Our kids have
practiced hard to be part of this event and I look forward to their
performance."

Honorable mention honors were
also bestowed on three Rockford middle school students. These students will serve as alternates in
their section. LoveLynn Richards will
also represent ERMS. Representing North
Rockford Middle School are Evan Powers, bassoon, and Eden Stargardt, horn.

At the high school level, four
Rockford students will perform with the All-State High School Band: Mady Steffen, piccolo and flute; Melissa
Main, clarinet; Josh Fagerlin, horn; and Taylor LaPrairie, trombone. LaPrairie
will also perform with the 17-member Jazz Band.
Receiving high school honorable mention were Jack Ombry, trumpet, and
Ben Crysler, jazz alto sax.